Steven Halverson
Industry Reformer: Steven Halverson’s Impact on U.S. Construction Policy
Steven Halverson, the former CEO of The Haskell Company and a prominent voice in the construction industry, has not only shaped business outcomes within his own companies but also made a profound impact on U.S. construction policy. Through his work with national industry organizations, policy boards, and advocacy groups, Halverson has helped modernize how the United States approaches infrastructure development, workforce education, and regulatory reform in the built environment. His legacy as an industry reformer is marked by a blend of practical insight and policy-level influence.
At the core of Halverson’s policy work is a deep commitment to developing the next generation of construction professionals. Recognizing the growing skills gap in the trades, Halverson became a vocal advocate for workforce development initiatives. He served on national education boards and pushed for the integration of vocational training programs into public education, emphasizing the need for high-quality technical education pathways that could lead directly to careers in construction.
Under his influence, organizations such as the National Center for Construction Education and Research and the Construction Industry Roundtable began placing greater emphasis on collaboration with community colleges, apprenticeship programs, and certification bodies to ensure that the U.S. construction labor force remains globally competitive. Halverson’s efforts helped to reframe vocational training not as a secondary option but as a high-value career path deserving of public investment and policy support.
Halverson was also a significant contributor to national conversations around infrastructure investment. As a long-time advocate for increased federal and state infrastructure spending, he regularly lobbied Congress and collaborated with think tanks and trade associations to articulate the economic benefits of robust infrastructure policy.
During his tenure at The Haskell Company, Halverson frequently testified before legislative committees and participated in infrastructure summits. His arguments for strategic, long-term investment in transportation, water, and energy systems were grounded in both economic reasoning and first-hand construction expertise. He played a key role in shaping portions of policy recommendations that informed federal infrastructure packages, helping to ensure that construction professionals were part of the legislative dialogue.
Halverson also pushed for streamlined permitting processes and modern procurement practices. He advocated for a move away from lowest-bid contracting models in favor of best-value procurement that prioritizes safety, sustainability, and performance—values that have become increasingly relevant in the age of climate adaptation and resilience planning.
Steven Halverson’s policy influence extended into ethical governance within the construction industry. As part of the Construction Industry Round Table (CIRT), including service as its Chairman, he helped develop best practices that promoted transparency in bidding, fairness in labor practices, and environmental responsibility in project delivery.
He also supported the adoption of digital tools and data standards to improve transparency and accountability across project lifecycles. These initiatives contributed to a gradual but significant shift in how contractors, owners, and regulators approach risk and compliance. Halverson argued that clear, ethical standards not only improved the public perception of the industry but also drove better business outcomes through efficiency and trust. Furthermore, Halverson was recently named to the board of advisors for HTEC, a rapidly expanding global technology firm focused on AI implementation. He is also serving as co-chair of a municipal finance “strike force” for the City of Jacksonville, partnering with a former mayor and current chief executive of a major company. The group has been charged with addressing the city’s unique financial challenges, a task anticipated to be both impactful and subject to considerable debate.
What set Halverson apart as a reformer was his ability to bridge the gap between industry and government. He understood the pressures of project delivery as much as he understood the slow pace and complexity of policy change. This dual perspective enabled him to serve as a trusted intermediary, one who could translate industry needs into actionable policy recommendations.
Through his leadership roles with the Construction Industry Roundtable, the Florida Council of 100, and numerous federal advisory panels, Halverson consistently pushed for construction-related reforms that balanced innovation, safety, and economic growth. His voice was especially influential in debates around energy infrastructure, where he highlighted the construction sector’s role in achieving national climate goals through better project design and sustainable materials.
Steven Halverson’s contributions to U.S. construction policy have outlasted his corporate leadership. His advocacy helped redefine how policymakers view the construction industry—not just as a service provider but as a critical stakeholder in national economic planning and development. Through his efforts, Halverson has left an enduring imprint on the policies that govern how America builds, educates, and innovates.
In an era where infrastructure is once again at the center of national discourse, Halverson’s policy leadership serves as a blueprint for industry professionals who wish to shape not only their companies but also the regulatory and social environments in which they operate.
